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The Core written exam: 95 questions, 90 minutes, no calculator

Boom Angle editorial teamSources checked 1 min read

The Core exam is the written exam every mobile crane operator candidate takes, whatever the crane type. It has four published domains (table below), and you work it without a calculator.

Questions
95
Time
90 minutes
Where
Online Proctored Testing (OPT), Test Center Testing (TCT) or Event Online Testing (EOT); results immediately

What the domains mean in practice

  • Site (22%): assessing the site before and during the lift, including ground conditions, power lines and the work area.
  • Operations (28%): operating practices, signals, and the operator's responsibilities.
  • Technical knowledge (23%): crane components, configuration and the physics behind stability and capacity.
  • Load charts (27%): reading charts, applying the notes, and working out capacity for a given configuration and radius.

Each specialty exam has its own outline. Manufacturers' load charts are about 35% of each one, and a calculator is allowed.

How to prepare

  • Take the free diagnostic and look at your load chart and technical knowledge scores first.
  • Practice chart problems end to end on practice charts: configuration, radius, gross capacity, deductions, net capacity.
  • Do the arithmetic by hand, since the Core exam has no calculator.
  • Plan your exams inside the 12-month window, and remember the four-week wait before retaking a written exam.

Exam facts

QuestionsCore 95; each specialty 28
TimeCore 90; each specialty 60
CalculatorCore: calculator not permitted. Specialty: calculator permitted
Where you testOnline Proctored Testing (OPT), Test Center Testing (TCT) or Event Online Testing (EOT); results immediately
ReferencesASME B30.5 (2021); ASME B30.30 (2019); IHSA Mobile Crane Manual (2017); AEM Mobile Crane Safety Manual (2014); OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC; OSHA 29 CFR 1910.180; IPT's Crane and Rigging Handbook (2020)
Exam feecore written: $140; specialty written each: $80; practical each: $70
RetakesWait four weeks before retaking the same written exam, unless an alternate form exists (then retest sooner). Practical retakes not affected. Failing candidates get a strengths/weaknesses report.
EligibilityAt least 18 years old; comply with CCO Substance Abuse Policy and Code of Ethics; pass written and practical exams
Time limit to finish12 months after passing the first exam to pass the corresponding written/practical exam(s) for the same designation
RenewalValid 5 years. Recertify within the 12 months before expiry: pass written exam(s); practical waived with at least 1,000 hours of crane-related experience in the period. No grace period after expiry

What the exam covers

Site22%
Operations28%
Technical Knowledge23%
Load Charts27%

Sources

Show the 5 official sources

Facts checked 17 October 2026 against NCCCO's own documents (sources above). If something has changed, tell us and we will correct it within 2 business days.

Your next step

  1. 01Free NCCCO written diagnostic25 questions, about 24 minutes. See your weakest domain.Start free
  2. 02Core + 1 specialty course$99. Lessons, timed practice exams and a plan around your exam date.See the plans

The NCCCO written course

Available now · instant access

Learn every outline domain, work load charts step by step, then prove it on timed exams.

  • 8modules of lessonsEvery task on the outline
  • 2full-length timed exams95 questions in 90 minutes each
  • 400practice questionsEach one explained
  • 2worked calculationsStep by step
  • 1week-by-week study planSet to your exam date

Question bank and timed exams: Expert-reviewed: every question was checked by a certified crane operator with 20 years experience (2026-10-19). Every answer key is confirmed by a separate blind solve, and reported errors are fixed within 2 business days.